Fire Destroys Two Floors of Takasago's Hiratsuka, Japan Factory

Posted: April 15, 2013

Takasago International Corp. reported that a fire broke out at the Hiratsuka Factory of Takasago International Corporation at around 11:10 a.m. on April 10, reportedly caused by static electricity.

There were no injuries reported by the company, although the the second and third floors of the building were completely destroyed.

Takasago said the fire was at the site of the flavors production building, Hiratsuka Factory,Takasago International Corporation, 1-5-1 Nishiyawata, Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. The fire broke out at about 11:10 a.m. on April 10 and it was confirmed to be under control at approximately 5:30 p.m. the same day. It was confirmed extinguished at 4:11 a.m. on April 11.

The fire, which broke out during blending of flavor on the second floor of the flavors production building, was reportedly caused by static electricity resulting from inadequate grounding. It then spread to adjacent products and raw materials. The second and third floors of the three-story building (the building has a total floor area of 6,300 square meters) were completely destroyed by the fire. The rest of the damage is still under investigation.

A task force has been set up to handle the aftermath of the accident. The company said it is dealing in good faith with the concerns of local residents and, under the guidance of the relevant authorities, taking all necessary steps to prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future.